The Odyssey - seen it!

We went to watch the Odyssey directed by Sir Christopher Nolan at the weekend. 

What did I think?

First up I like a bit of Greek mythology and have read a couple of translations of the Odyssey and a number books on Greek mythology which always include a bit on Odysseus. I loved Tony Robinson’s telling of Odysseus : the Greatest Hero of Them All on the BBC when I was at school. 

I had been following some of the issues which had been raised about casting and was getting concerned. However, as the release date was getting closer I had stopped following news on the film and had decided that I would just try and watch without picking up too many preconceptions.

Well I liked it - acting was good - I didn’t have an issue with the casting. They worked in this telling of the story.

The adaptation of story hit the right beats and points - the cyclops cave (I did miss nobody a bit but not a major issue) - Circe, this was really well done (although no children with her … or is that for the sequel?) - the giants, this was a hmm bit for me to be honest - the trip to the underworld (although no Achilles) - the struggles with the suitors in Ithaca (great acting by Ann Hathaway as Penelope) - Argos the dog (emotional) - defeat of the Suitors.

I felt the structure worked which flashbacks and remembering by Menelaus in Sparta (with Telemachus ) and Odysseus on an island with Calypso. Cutting in with time running out for Penelope and Telemachus 20 years after Odysseus had set off for Troy. 

Did I like all of the design choices - no I didn’t. Silver giants were hmm. Agamemnon another hmm, although I get that they were making him imposing at the high king of the Greeks.

I wasn’t worried about the boat - it was a bit Viking but not a major issue as wouldn’t be surprised if they had similar types (looking ) of ships in the ancient Mediterranean.

As I said the nearly 3 hour film kept me engaged and entertained.

Morts

Pembrokeshire - well worth a visit.

After the puppy had left us, the better half and I headed off to Wales. Mainly Pembrokeshire.

I have to say we had a splendid time - some stunning scenery and castles.

On the way we stopped off at Rhossili on the Gower and took in the Worms head. 

The next day was a circular walk around the Stackpole Estate. Taking in the Quay, Barafundle Bay (great beach) and Bosherston Lily Ponds. This was absolutely beautiful - well worth a visit. 

The next day was a walk to Tenby - a lovely walled town. A walk over to Castle hill but we couldn’t access St Catherine’s island to visit the Victorian fort (opens 20th July…). We returned to Tenby on our last night for a rather nice curry overlord the bay. 

The last full day was a trip to Pembroke and in particular it castle. The castle was great - a guided tour included in the entry fee - plenty to see as you wander around by yourself.

The cave beneath the castle was closed due to archaeological work but just at the end of the tour we were offered the chance to go down and have a talk from an archaeologist about what they were doing  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp36lnng046o 

Unfortunately Pembroke town was a little bit sad, with not very much going on - castle is well worth a visit.

The trip to Pembrokeshire was lovely and needed after our loss. We are planning to go back and look at some of the places that we missed out this time.

Morts

 

Cyclades - played

We managed a get together at Steedo’s to play Cyclades - a game set in the myths of Greece as you try and create 3 (mega) metropolises to win (I assume this means dominance over the Greek islands). 

To build a metropolis you need to have built 4 other settlements - Fort, Temple, Port and University. There are other ways of getting metropolis - using Heroes attributes and exchanging 4 philosophers …

The game sets up in a similar way to Catan with troop and ship placement - gaining either priestesses or food. You establish the order and actions by bidding on which God you want - each god gives a different building and soldier/ship/priestess/philosopher/mercenary and the opportunity to buy more or a hero or monster (which could be a play once or a placement on the board (which may need upkeep by sacrificing a priestess).

We played with 5 - Steedo (Red), DK (Yellow), Sylon (Purple), BUR (Green) and myself (Blue). The placement caused a tad of frustration for me as DK took two priestesses meaning that none were available for me. So we ended up closely placed on the islands.

Early game I pick up a monster which allowed me to collect extra food and Jason as a hero. There was much building. DK built some ports - which was very nice of him as I was able to use Jason’s hero power (using opponents ships as if they were mine) - so a quick invasion gave me two ports and blocked DK’s ships. 

The game continued on with other players picking up metropolises - much of the game is a look over there while you do something else somewhere else. DK was struggling to get back into the game … BUR had attacked Sylon and I had stolen one of Steedo’s settlements to get a second metropolis. 

In the final turn I picked Poseidon (who allows to build ships), so I would be able to use Jason’s other hero skill - burn the hero if all of your ships are in play for a metropolis - which is what I did for the win. Apparently Steedo and Sylon had spotted another way I could have gone for the win using Jason’s power to travel to BUR island and steal a university …

So Cyclades was a fun game - I don’t think we scratched the surface of the game play. Certainly the bidding was incredibly civilised - we should have been more challenging to each other. Heroes and monsters was something we didn’t use very much - these can be very powerful. I’m not sure that I will get a win - the others will have leant. 

Morts

A sad week

I have been planning to post for a week or two but I just didn’t get around to it. 

Work has been busy with a project - which is now over. I was acting up over the course of the project. A job came up recently, which I applied for but didn’t get. Although that is not what is sad. 

Unfortunately, after nearly 15 years our family dog Molly had to go on her final journey. 

She will be missed by all of us, as she was a joyful character who was always pleased to see you.

So a tough week.

Morts